Report and photography by David Newton

Every now and then the skincare world sees an enticing new trend that sets the agenda for the next few years in anti-ageing products. We've seen Retinol, Caffeine, Microdermabrasion all have their day… and right now Hyaluronic Acid (otherwise known as HA) is in the spotlight. It's not the newest ingredient on the block, but it's set to be one of the most intriguing.

Hyaluronic Acid belies its slightly scary name; it's a clear, sticky, sugary substance that occurs naturally in the body, where it works to keep things hydrated. Most of the big skincare companies have incorporated it into their anti-ageing creams already – but its effect has been limited because of HA's high molecular weight (ie its molecules are so big they can't actually penetrate skin very easily). That's where breakthroughs such as Wylde favourite Dr Barbara Sturm's Ampoules come in: the HA molecules are much lighter, allowing them to penetrate down to the skin's deepest layers. Once inside, it is so amazingly good at absorbing moisture (up to a thousand times its own weight in water) that wrinkles are plumped up and skin appears much smoother.

It works! And is there a certain thrill in snapping open these extremely medical-looking ampoules, instead of sticking your fingers into a pot of cream? Of course! Break them open and apply directly on to deep wrinkles: there's 7 in a pack; enough for a week, and a week is all that's needed to see results. My skin is noticeably smoother around the eyes (my number one emergency area)… with a really rested look and feel. Recommended!

Dr Barbara Sturm's Hyaluronic Ampoules cost £132 for 7 x 2ml from Net-A-Porter

Acid house…